3D PRINTING. NOW THAT’S TRICK
Apr 20th
If ever a process was ideally suited to the world of kitcars it has to be 3D printing. Small batch components, or obsolete stuff that’s rarer than a quarter light for a Gordon Keeble.
Brilliant. So, what’s the catch? Well, price. It is still unbelievably expensive. Or is it? Work out the cost of a one-off component that has to be tooled-up for or cast or is completely unobtainable and the cost per unit can be more palatable.
One kitcar manufacturer, Vortex Automotive, run by Chris Greville Smith has really grasped 3D printing and has had some new mirror casings made for More >
ITS NAME IS LEGEND
Apr 20th
Swarfega’s products have been giving a helping hand to the hard workers of our nation, keeping skin in good nick and keeping generations of trades people hard at work for the past 70-years.
To celebrate this milestone, Swarfega has launched a limited-edition range of products, ‘Tough by Swarfega’, designed and built to work as hard as the people it’s made for.
The limited-edition range includes:
Hand cleaner: Swarfega knows a thing or two about getting hands clean without trashing the skin. This handy 250ml tube of hand cleaner is perfect for people on the move, it’s heavy duty and takes no prisoners; grease, More >
THIS STUFF WORKED FOR ME
Apr 20th
There are plenty of companies selling two-stage paint protection systems although I’m sure many of them have a ‘D Holliday’ as their director. Being cynical for a moment, I’d love to know how many new car dealers make a killing on selling a magic coating to their customers and charging up to a Monkey for the privilege.
Fact is that some of these processes do work, but let’s not get silly with price eh? Actually, this real-world solution from Airglide Ltd is a really high-quality product at a pocket-money price.
Their Single Car Paint Protection process is an acrylic polymer-based product applied More >
PROPER MINI TYRES
Apr 20th
In 1974 with the introduction of the bigger disc brakes on the 1275 GT, the Mini began to move away from it’s cute little 10in rims, and fitted 145/70 boots, onto 12in wheels, instead.
For some considerable time now, a proper tyre has not been available to compliment the handling of these sporty and fun little cars that are such an endearing part of the British driving culture, not to mention the thousands that have been used as kitcar donors.
The good news is that Michelin has stepped up to the mark and filled the gap with the reintroduction of the perfect More >
YEP, THIS IS COOL! WAY COOL
Apr 20th
It’s not every day we get a product press release like this….VW Heritage has managed to turn up five new old stock Brazilian Beetle chassis that have been gathering dust in a warehouse for the past twenty years!
We’re not sure how or why they’ve spent this long hidden in the dark, but it is great news for those with Beetles with flaky floors or those who want to build a Beach Buggy or Speedster replica from the ground up.
Complete with brakes, ball-joint front axle, and a gearbox already in place, it only needs some wheels, a steering column and an More >
GRIP LIKE A TYRE-FITTER’S HANDSHAKE!
Apr 20th
Invented by a United States Air Force aircraft mechanic Grypmat could just be a very special product that will greatly help you in the garage and/or workshop.
Fed up with not being able to reach tools and nuts and bolts to hand while working on jet aircraft, he decided to create his own tool-tray, which has ended-up winning crowd-funding and entering production as Grypmat.
It’s a funky, orange-coloured non-slip, non-magnetic and chemical resistant anti-static rubber tool-tray that keeps your tools and fasteners in place. It’s really advanced stuff and it can be placed at any angle, with not so much as a More >
MIRROR-FINISH
Apr 20th
Top Gloss from car care product specialist’s Autobrite Direct is pretty self-explanatory if you think about it although it’s worth taking a closer look at it, I think.
It gives a mirror-like finish to your car’s bodywork and can also be used on glass, rubber and plastics. No effort is required aside from tipping the prescribed amount into a bucket or soap dispenser from a pressure washer.
I tried both ways and I have to say it worked like Autobrite said it should. A 500ml bottle costs £10 and other sizes are available, right up to 5-litres.
More information from www.autobritedirect.co.uk or 01782 623 More >
BUGGIES ARE BACK. WHERE’S THE METALFLAKE?
Apr 13th
FF Buggy re-launched
If you’ve been following the kitcar scene for a few years the name FF Kit Cars & Conversions was a popular manufacturer producing a nice range of beach buggies, from 1983.
Founded by a nice chap called Tim Cooksey the company sold a good number of their Beetle-based kits especially in long wheelbase format. In 1986, the kit moved to Country Volks.
TV presenter, Anneka Rice used a pair of FFs in her ‘Challenge Anneka’ TV show (built by Stevespeed) before she moved on to a beefier Dakar, but the FF kit was a pretty looking buggy, although clearly inspired More >
RIGHT ON THE BRACKET!
Apr 13th
New from Hawk Cars and joining their growing range of own-made parts for Cobras and Stratos’ are these cast mounting brackets and slave cylinders for five or six-bolt bellhousings for Cobra 289 and six-bolt items for Ford 302 V8. Priced from £182 and available now from www.hawkcars.co.uk or 01892 750 341 ENDS.
GREAT FOR YOUR TYRES AND A GREAT COLOUR TOO!
Apr 13th
I hate old and discoloured-looking tyres and they can really ruin the appearance of an otherwise clean car that you have spent a few hours washing and polishing.
However, Infinity Rubber Wax should help you achieve and maintain a better look, as the maker’s claim that it returns faded sidewalls to showroom-like condition leaving them with a subtle sheen rather than false over-glossy look.
Also, via the soft applicator included in the pack the product is solvent-free so won’t perish the tyres while water will bead-up on the sidewall, too. It impressed me.
Infinity Rubber Wax costs £14.99 inc VAT and is available More >
